Friday, October 26, 2012

This past spring, we were introduced to a charming new character and series that caught my kids' attention and never let go. Instead of immediately losing interest (as they often do), they watched curiously as this charming family of pink pigs talked, laughed and snorted their way through cute adventure after cute adventure.

A longtime favorite with British children, Peppa Pig arrived in the U.S. in early 2011, airing on Nick Jr for preschool-aged children. This adorable series stars Peppa, a loveable, energetic little piggy, along with her family – her little brother, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – as they play games, dress up, go to school, take family trips and, best of all, jump in muddy puddles... all with a sweet and engaging British accent.

So while my girls have enjoyed snorting and giggling along with the show, I knew that they would be even more excited that, for the first time ever in the U.S., Peppa Pig fans can bring the magic of the hit series home with a new line of Peppa-themed toys, DVDs and books!

Available now at Toys 'R Us, our assortment of Peppa Pig items were bright, colorful and great for kids. I had no doubt that the girls' eyes were going to pop out when they saw all of the fun awaiting them!

Right away, the Peppa Pig Peek 'n Surprise Playhouse (by Fisher-Price) had them bursting at the seams to begin imagining and playing with this unique playset.

A portable, four-room playhouse, this toy opens to reveal a home filled with fun furniture with a twist – it transforms! Switch the sink from messy to clean, fill the tub for a bubble bath, set the family table for dinner, bake in the oven and much more.

Every room of the house includes at least one aspect that can be flipped to provide continual entertainment and inspiration for a child's imagination!

While the girls love all of the added details, cute touches and the ability to fold the house in half for storage or portability, we did find that they had difficulty flipping some of the transformable pieces. As each one has small notches that are designed to help hold them in place, they also cause them to optimally flip in one direction... or pop off when flipped in the other direction.

However, we found that the girls weren't bothered too much by this, but it does require an adult's assistance to get the pieces all back in place to continue the fun!

Retailing for $34.99, the Peek 'n Surprise Playhouse comes with all of the accessories included as well as Peppa and George figures.

To extend the fun further, there are multiple small playsets that can be purchased to add to the Playhouse and I wasn't surprised to see that the girls were just as excited about the Peppa & Friends: Birthday Party.

Including Peppa (complete with party hat) and her friend Candy Cat, the figures come with a party table that flips to reveal fun surprises on each side.

Considering how much my kids already love pretty much anything to do with birthday parties, being able to incorporate the fun of the birthday gifts (on one side of the table) and the tasty dessert treats (on the other side) into their Peppa Pig creativity just made it even better.

Retailing for $7.99, the Peppa & Friends: Birthday Party is a fun addition to the collection and would make an especially great birthday gift for any young Peppa fans!

When the girls weren't putting their miniature Peppa Pig characters through the motions, they were excited to be able to bring her even more to life with the Hug 'n Oink Peppa (also from Fisher-Price).

Perfect for anyone who loves Peppa, this plush Peppa Pig is cute, loveable and asking for hugs... literally! Give her a big squeeze and she giggles, talks, snorts, laughs, plays music and much more – who can resist a polite pink pig with a British accent who is cheerful, funny and just wants to be loved?

Retailing for $21.99, Hug 'n Oink Peppa is a unique way to bring the entertainment and enjoyment of Peppa Pig to children of all ages.

For a slightly quieter way to enjoy our favorite pig family, the new book Peppa Pig and the Lost Christmas List (from Candlewick Press) is a wonderful Christmas themed book that kids are sure to want to hear over and over again.

The clear, bright illustrations look as though they are right from our television screen and the sweet message about caring and friendship is just right for the holiday season. Retailing for $12.99, this hardcover picture book would make a great gift under the tree this year.

Finally, Peppa Pig: Flying a Kite and Other Stories features 10 fun "peppasodes" from the award-winning series that my girls love. As each one is only around five minutes long, short attention spans don't ever get bored.

At the same time, I find that each of the storylines still manage to contain plenty of Peppa's signature lighthearted, laugh-out-loud approach to storytelling that makes the show truly enjoyable for both children and parents.

As a major bonus, whether the theme of each "peppasode" is flying a kite, having the hiccups, or going on a picnic, the underlying message is always the celebration of the values of family, friendship, fun and humor. If this darling pink pig can help pass on positive messages while keeping us all entertained and giggling over the innocence and mischievousness of children, then it's no wonder that we have watched it over and over again.

Available both at Toys 'R Us and as a digital download on iTunes, this DVD retails for $14.98 and the digital download for $9.99.

We have yet to tire of seeing and playing with these cheeky little piggies and their friends and plan on inviting Peppa and her family into our home in more ways in the future. Visit Toys 'R Us to see the full line of great Peppa Pig items available and find out more and connect with Peppa at PeppaPig.com as well as on Facebook. Catch the Peppa Pig spirit today!

(Other than the Peppa Pig toys, book and DVD that I was sent in conjunction with my membership to Team Mom, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this entertaining show and these products.)

My boys are a bit old for this but I have a niece that would love it. With Christmas just around the corner and not knowing what to get her this seems like a perfect choice. I'll pass it along to the shopper...my wife!